The Central Florida Tech Grove, in partnership with NAWCTSD and SERDP is running a prize challenge to identify proof-of-concept solutions that advance the development and deployment of innovative wildland firefighter safety equipment. This challenge seeks to measurably improve firefighter protection, health, and operational endurance in hazardous conditions encountered on and near military lands.
The Central Florida Tech Grove, in partnership with the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program / Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (SERDP/ESTCP), is executing a prize challenge to identify solutions that advance the design and deployment of next-generation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and field safety systems for wildland firefighters. This challenge addresses the growing complexity of wildland fire response — particularly on and near military lands — by seeking solutions that improve the safety, health, and effectiveness of firefighting personnel through materials innovation, embedded sensing, active physiological protection, and operational integration.
Video submissions from all participants will be evaluated by subject matter experts (SMEs) from supporting DoD entities and partner agencies with expertise in wildfire response, occupational safety, and technological innovation. Evaluation will be conducted by technical personnel experienced in assessing protective equipment and field safety systems. Three finalists will be selected based on qualified submissions and participation in the Prize Challenge Demo Day. The top-performing participant will be awarded $40k in prize money, with $25k and $20k awards to the second and third-ranked participants, respectively.
Problem Statement
Wildland firefighters operating on and near military lands face severe physiological, environmental, and operational hazards — including high heat loads, smoke and toxic gas exposure, musculoskeletal strain from heavy gear, and the need for sustained performance during extended shifts of 14–16 hours or more. Current personal protective equipment often involves significant trade-offs between protection level, mobility, weight, and endurance. There is a pressing need to rapidly assess and leverage private-sector, academic, and DoD-funded innovations in materials science, wearable technology, physiological monitoring, and protective systems design to improve firefighter safety outcomes without degrading operational effectiveness.
The Wildfire Safety Equipment Prize Challenge seeks innovative, field-ready solutions that measurably improve wildland firefighter safety, health, and operational endurance. Submissions must address real-world safety gaps identified through subject matter expert engagement, operational review, and standards analysis. Solutions should improve protection without degrading mobility, endurance, or fireline effectiveness.
Awards:-
- Cash prizes totaling $85,100 will be awarded to the top 3 finalists- 1st Place: $40K, 2nd Place: $25K, 3rd Place: $20,100K
- Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with industry, government, and academic leaders and partners in the autonomous systems and wildfire response space.
Deadline:- 22-07-2026
